Everyone loves the Rogue

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1 5 best things about the Rogue Incredible wildlife Fun rapids Riverside lodge on night 2 Lush scenery Mule Creek Canyon SPECIFICS Length in days: 3 Length in miles: 37 Overall difficulty: III Highest difficulty (#): IV (1) Rapids/day: ~10 Gradient: 14 feet/mile Signature Rapids: Mule Creek Canyon & Blossom Bar Types of boats: Oar, paddle & inflatable kayak Minimum recommended age: 6 Rapids: Scenery: Wilderness: Swimming: Hiking: Campsites: Wildlife: Fishing: 5 best things about ARTA Friendly, fun & gracious guides Active, engaging & informal style Steadfast commitment to safety Over 50 years of experience on the west s most iconic rivers We donate our profits back to protecting the environment Everyone loves the Rogue With its lush and picturesque canyon, abundant wildlife, warm water, numerous side creeks, and exciting but not overwhelming rapids, the Rogue is a wonderful place to enjoy life on the river. It was one of the original rivers to be protected as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1968 and continues to provide one of the most beloved river trips in the world. The river itself follows a diverse course, alternately crashing over abrupt ledges, flattening into shallow expanses, and squeezing between house-sized boulders or through narrow gorges. There are rapids every day with highlights at Mule Creek Canyon and Blossom Bar on day 2. The canyon slopes are blanketed with stands of douglas fir, ponderosa pine, madrone, and numerous varieties of oak while ferns, wildflowers, and blackberries flourish up the numerous side streams. Abundant wildlife inhabits the canyon and we commonly see deer, otter, osprey, bald eagles, and an occasional black bear. The Camp/Lodge Option: On our Camp/Lodge trips we will experience the romance of camping out on the first night and the comforts of a riverside lodge on the second night, a rare opportunity in such a remote canyon. Camping on the first night will be at a riverside beach with spectacular views of the river and canyon, outdoor dining, and easy camping. On the second night, we will stay in one of the Rogue s famous wilderness fishing lodges isolated in the heart of the canyon. This is a wonderful and unique way to experience the Wild and Scenic Rogue River.

2 Meeting Place Morrison s Lodge 8500 Galice Road Merlin, OR Meeting Time 6:00 pm the day before your launch date. Return Time 5:00 pm on the last day of your trip. Pre-trip checklist Complete on-line registration (follow the directions and link that came with your original reservation) Reserve pre- & post-trip lodging (most people stay at Morrison s; other options are listed to the right). Plan for the unexpected (purchase Travel Insurance through USI Travel Insurance). Gather and pack your gear (there is a complete list on the Equipment page; call if you have any questions). What we provide Transportation from Morrison s to the river and back. Friendly, entertaining and professional guide service. All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. All camping gear (freshly laundered sleeping bag, liner, self-inflating pad, two-person tent). Waterproof bags, lifejackets, and other specialized river touring equipment for the trip. Wetsuits and splash jackets when necessary. Camp chair, plate, eating utensils and mug. All taxes and government access fees. What you are responsible for Transportation to and from Morrisons. Meals and lodging before and after. Personal clothing and toiletries (see Equipment page). Soda, wine, alcoholic beverages (see Details page). Guide gratuities (see Details page). Where and when to meet We will meet you at 6:00 pm the evening before the trip begins on the lawn overlooking the Rogue River at Morrison s Lodge, 8500 Galice Road, Merlin, OR (800/ ). We ll give you your waterproof bags, go over final trip logistics, arrange shuttles and answer any last minute questions. Cars will be left at Morrison s during the trip. If you are planning to tour the Oregon coastline after the trip, consider having your vehicle shuttled to our takeout point which is 35 miles from Gold Beach and the Pacific Ocean. The cost is about $110 per vehicle and arrangements can be made at the pre-trip meeting. How to get there Driving: Morrison s is located on the Rogue River just west of Galice, Oregon, about 60 miles north of the Oregon-California border; 6-7 hours from San Francisco, and 4-5 hours from Portland. To get to Morrison s, take Exit 61 off of I-5, turn west on Galice Road and continue straight 12 1/2 miles (through the small town of Merlin) to Morrison s Lodge (on the right). Flying: Alaska, Delta and United serve Medford, Oregon, about 30 miles southeast of Grants Pass. For transportation from the Medford airport to Morrison s, contact Galice Resort, 541/ or Affordable Shuttles, 866/ Due to potential delays, we do not recommend flying out of Medford the evening that the trip ends. Where to stay Morrison s is a wonderful place to stay before and after your trip. Right on the river, they offer a variety of lodging options from cozy rooms in the main lodge to private cabins overlooking the river to secluded cottages with kitchens on a quiet creek. The property is very relaxing and comfortable and the room rates are reasonable. Alternative accommodations are available 5 miles further down river at the Galice Resort (541/ , Both locations serve meals on a deck overlooking the river. If you prefer gourmet meals and linen, you ll enjoy Morrison s; if you prefer hamburgers and picnic tables, you ll prefer Galice. Reservations should be made well in advance. There are also numerous chain motels 30 minutes from Morrison s in Grants Pass. Before you get to Morrison s Morrison s Lodge and Galice Resort are isolated, self-contained establishments and once you are there, you won t want to leave. Both places carry a limited assortment of everything you might need for your trip, but you may prefer to purchase last minute items (snacks, drinks, batteries, etc.) or even eat in Grants Pass before you arrive, (The Laughing Clam in Grants Pass and Baldini s in Merlin are staff favorites). If your pre-trip accommodations have kitchen facilities, you can get groceries at Ray s Market near the freeway on Galice Road. Other things to do in the area The Oregon Shakespeare Festival ( in nearby Ashland is renowned for its Elizabethan Stagehouse and outdoor plays. Also in the area are the dramatic Crater Lake National Park, the scenic Oregon Caves National Monument and the historic town of Jacksonville which is home to the Britt Music Festival. For those trip members who are driving, we will be getting off the river about 35 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. The southern Oregon coastline is spectacular and worth a visit after your trip. If you want to continue your vacation with a visit to the Oregon coast, you can have your vehicle shuttled to the take-out and be at the ocean the evening your trip concludes; the cost is about $110 per vehicle and arrangements can be made at the pre-trip meeting.

3 Types of boats On the Rogue River we usually have three types of boats in which to ride: Paddle rafts are 14 feet long and carry 6 or 7 paddlers who actively paddle through the rapids and down the river. Everyone has a paddle, sits on the outer tube of the raft, and follows the instructions of the paddle captain who sits in the back. Oar rafts are 18 feet long, carry all of the overnight gear and up to 5 guests. They are rowed by a guide using oars attached to a metal frame. Guests ride in the front, hang on through the rapids and relax in the calm stretches. Inflatable kayaks are feet long and are paddled by 1 or 2 people using double-bladed paddles. They are fairly stable, require no previous experience and allow you to feel the thrill of independently paddling the river. Please note that we cannot guarantee space in paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks. If there are more people who wish to ride in these boats than there are spaces, we will rotate so that everyone gets a chance to participate. A full Rogue trip of 20 guests usually has 1 or 2 paddle rafts and 3 or 4 inflatable kayaks. A Special Note About Two Special Rapids The Rogue River is primarily a Class III river with two notable exceptions: Rainie Falls and Blossom Bar. The risks that these two rapids present are unusual and significant and the rewards they offer are minimal. Under most conditions, we will have everyone take a short, scenic hike around the rapids while our guides take the empty rafts through the most dangerous sections. Weather Southern Oregon's summer weather is usually excellent with highs ranging from the 80's to the 90's and dropping into the 60's at night. Very little rain falls on the Rogue during the summer months, however, overcast and cool days do occur and you should be prepared with fleece tops and good rainshells. The water temperature warms up into the high 60 s during the summer. Meals and drinks Our menu includes a wide variety of dishes and consist of quality foods with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. If you have a special dietary request or allergy, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you. We will provide water and juice during the day and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor with your dinner, please bring your own (non-glass containers for beer and soda, wine and liquor in glass bottles is fine). Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Lodge, or you can bring your own. Camping and Lodging the best of both On the first night of the trip, we will be camping at a beautiful riverside beach with a spectacular view of the canyon. We ll set up a central kitchen area and you will pick out a spot nearby to pitch your tent or lay out your sleeping bag. We provide all the kitchen and camping gear as well as portable toilet facilities in camp. The Groover, a sturdy box with a comfortable seat and minimal odor, is set in a beautiful location and we have techniques to safeguard your sanitation and privacy, so going to the bathroom is surprisingly pleasant. The second night of the trip will be spent at a scenic, riverside Lodge with clean sheets, hot showers, flush toilets, tabletop dining, and all the comforts of a full-service lodge. If camping might not be your thing, but you want to experience a true wilderness river trip, this is a great option. Suggested Reading Western writer Zane Grey spent time fishing along and writing about the Rogue and his stories make for fun reading during the trip. Riders of the Purple Sage is his best-known novel, Rogue River Feud is the most relevant. Maps (Rogue River Guide Book) and interpretive guides are available at Morrison s or through Amazon. Tipping We want you to feel like a guest in our home. Tips are never expected, but are always appreciated when given in recognition of outstanding service. Our guides have gotten tips ranging from gifts of prized river gear to 10% to 15% of the trip cost, all of which were greatly appreciated (and always put to good use). Wildlife The Rogue is famous for its abundant wildlife and we often witness spectacular events: osprey diving for fish, otter playing on the bank, salmon jumping, or bear fishing along the shore. Of all our trips, the Rogue is the best for seeing wildlife. Fishing Although the Rogue is famous for its salmon and steelhead runs, fishing usually isn't very good until the fall. If you want to fish, you will need an Oregon Fishing License which and can be purchased at Morrison s prior to the trip.

4 Get ready! One of the joys of life on the river is how simple it is. We will be carrying everything we need into the wilderness with us and leaving a lot of stuff behind; bringing the proper gear will make your trip much more enjoyable. The basic rule of packing is: the right stuff, not more stuff. One synthetic fleece pullover is much more compact and versatile than six cotton sweatshirts; a good raincoat is better than twenty ponchos. You should be able to find most of the gear you need in your closet, garage or neighbor's basement. Your guides will help you make last-minute decisions at the pre-trip meeting, but please feel free to call us if you have any questions as you go through this list; we want you to have the best trip possible. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST This list has everything we can think of for June AND July trips. You can adjust it to fit your departure date (more and thicker fleece on June trips), but you probably shouldn't skip anything. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING CAMP ITEMS: Your favorite pillow (an extra pillow-case is handy for organizing stuff in your bag) 2 complete changes of clothing (versatile pants and shirts, cotton is fine - something exciting for dinner is welcome!) Extra swimsuit or shorts and T-shirts for on the river and in camp Extra socks, (wool or fleece are best), and underwear Camp shoes, (flip-flops, trail running shoes, tennis shoes; something you can walk and hike in comfortably) Small towel, soap and shampoo (Campsuds & Dr. Bronner s are the most environmentally friendly, Ivory is fine) Personal hygiene items, including medicine, insect repellent, dry-skin lotion, etc. Please bring twice the amount needed of any essential medicine. Warm jacket, (thick fleece is great - will work on-river as well or compact down coat) Rain gear, (can double as on-river gear); top is essential, bottoms are advised before July 1 Small flashlight with extra batteries, (headlamps are great) Book, sketch pad, journal, etc. RIVER ITEMS: Sandals with heel strap (Chaco, Teva) or old running shoes NO FLIP FLOPS OR SLIP-ONS Swimsuit or shorts and T-shirt, (nylon, quick-drying shorts and synthetic tech-dry type shirts are best - women often prefer to wear shorts over their swimsuits) Polypropylene pile or synthetic fleece top (essential) Polypropylene pile or synthetic fleece pants (encouraged) Brimmed hat, (baseball-style or visors work well; you will be wearing a helmet) Lightweight cotton clothing, (synthetic long-sleeved or old cotton dress shirts) for sun protection Waterproof sunscreen/block (SPF 30+), lip balm Sunglasses with strap, (maybe not your best pair) Small water bottle, 1 quart, (essential - even if it s just an empty plastic Gatorade bottle) OPTIONAL ITEMS: Waterproof camera, (if you want to bring your cell phone to use as a camera, we recommend getting a sturdy case) Beer, wine, liquor, or soda in unbreakable containers, (cans or plastic bottles). We will try to keep it cold 1 or 2 plastic garbage bags & gallon size zip-lock bags for organizing gear Freshly laundered sleeping bag and liner Thick self-inflating sleeping pad Small tarp Free-standing, two-person tent* WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE Camp chair Plates, eating utensils and mug Waterproof splash jacket Neoprene wetsuit (if necessary) *We will bring 1 tent for one and two person reservations; 2 tents for three and four person reservations; 3 tents for five and six person reservations, etc. Please let us know if you need alternative tent space or if you prefer to bring your own tent. Underlined items are the preferred choice of our professional river guides! PLEASE DO NOT BRING: Valuable jewelry, radios, guns, accordions or any irreplaceable items!

5 Professional Tips Our dry-bags are great for keeping things dry but are somewhat awkward for packing and living out of, (they are tall and narrow with a small opening at the top). Compact sleeping bags are much more convenient, and small stuff sacks or zip-lock bags are helpful for dividing up your stuff inside the bag. Trying to put your entire duffel bag or rolling luggage into the dry-bag never seems to work. Our guides say that one of the most versatile things to bring on a trip is a sarong. Comfortable and colorful, sarongs get used for quick clothing changes, beach throws, sun screens and dinner celebrations. Layering your clothing is an effective way to adjust to the daily weather changes that you will encounter. A light polypropylene layer under a heavy fleece top under a rainshell will get you going on the chilliest of mornings and allow you to shed layers as the day warms up. Fleece is a generic term for a spun, polyester fabric developed for outdoor use. It is thick and fluffy and does not absorb water, making it ideal insulation on a river trip. It is commonly called Polartec or Polarfleece. Polypropylene is a thinner, stretchier, woven variation used predominately for long underwear. Any polypropylene long underwear will work; heavy-weight is the most versatile. Parents will want to make sure that their kids have at least two fleece tops and a waterproof rainshell. Fleece pants and a fleece hat are also recommended. Children get cold more easily, (and wet more often), than adults. Remember, if you don t bring it for them, they will use yours! On the river Every day is full. Every day is different. We encourage you to leave your watch behind and find the natural rhythm of life on the river. The first morning we ll meet at Morrison s and take a short van ride to the launch site where we ll get lifejackets, river gear, and a thorough safety briefing before heading downriver. Our first day on the river will include a lot of rapids, a short hike around Rainie Falls, a tasty picnic lunch, and maybe a quick jaunt to a swimming hole. We ll arrive at camp in the late afternoon and have some unstructured time for relaxing, hiking, or fishing before enjoying scrumptious early evening appetizers and a wonderful riverside dinner. Evening along the river is magical, with a campfire, stories, and a canopy of stars; you ll drift off to sleep to the enchanting sound of the river and the anticipation of another day of adventure. Morning starts with our revered COFFEE call, your invitation to join us for a hot breakfast and warm conversation. After breakfast, we ll gather, plan the day, then head downriver through the Rogue s most famous rapids: the scenic Mule Creek Canyon and the challenging Rainie Falls (which you will have the option of walking around). We ll try to get to the Lodge early in the afternoon so we can either take a rigorous hike or a relaxing nap (or both). Dinner at the lodge is a family-style affair of fresh-grown vegetables and meats enjoyed at big tables overlooking the river. An after-dinner stroll through the meadow is a tradition before heading to bed (in a bed!) Our last day on the river includes a smattering of small rapids and a final lunch before a two-hour van ride back to Morrison s. How to dress On hot days you will want clothing that dries quickly (nylon shorts and bathing suits) and something to shield you from the sun, (a high-tech SPF long-sleeved shirt, an old cotton dress shirt and maybe even lightweight long pants or capris). On cool days you will want a thick, synthetic fleece top, (pullovers are best; polartec or similar) and a sturdy, fully-waterproof rainshell. You may also want fleece pants or polypropylene long underwear bottoms and rainpants, particularly in June. Don't bring a cotton sweatshirt and a windbreaker; cotton is worthless when wet and won't work for on-river insulation and you need something waterproof over your fleece. On your feet you will want shoes that stay on if you go for a swim and are comfortable for hiking. Sport sandals with heel straps (Tevas, Chacos) work well, (buckles are better than velcro). Old running shoes work well and are easy to find. Neoprene, wool or fleece socks will add a bit of insulation. In camp you will want practical walking/hiking shoes, (flip-flops or trail running shoes), and versatile clothing, (T-shirts, warm shirts, shorts, jeans or sweats, extra fleece, etc). Cotton is o.k. for camp stuff, but because it is worthless for keeping you warm on the river, many people bring two sets of fleece - one for the river and one for camp. How to pack Camp items will go in a watertight dunnage bag provided by ARTA, (one per person). These are generally not accessible during the day. The bags are roughly 17 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall, (the size of a large duffel bag; plenty big, but you should try to limit all of your gear to about 25 pounds). Plastic garbage bags, zip-locks, stuff sacks, and pillow cases are good for keeping track of small and/or wet things inside your bigger dry bag. Tents will be packed in a separate, communal dry bag. River items will go in a semi-watertight, personal dry-bag provided by ARTA, (one per person). These bags are 9 inches in diameter and 12 inches tall, perfect for rain gear, fleece, sunblock, and other things you want to keep handy during the day. The bags are marginally waterproof so for expensive cameras or other things that must stay dry we recommend a Pelican Box which can be found online and at outdoor stores. If you want to bring your cell phone to use as a camera, please get a sturdy waterproof case.